Puma Deviate Nitro 3 Review (2024): Daily Training Rocket?

Julien Guyod

Published on 03/27/2025

Updated on 03/27/2025

When we talk about Puma, people think more about looks than performance. And yet, it is clear that the brand has made a strong comeback in recent years in the running scene, with increasingly popular and innovative models.

It’s also one of the first brands to have introduced a carbon plate model for training with the Deviate Nitro.

What’s new in this third version?

Is it suitable for your profile as a runner and your objectives?

We are going to find out in this comprehensive review.

Our Verdict

Cushioning

The midsole of the Puma Deviate Nitro 3 has evolved slightly compared to the previous version.

Of course, there’s the PWRPLATE carbon fiber plate, sandwiched and fork-shaped, less aggressive than the spoon-shaped one of the brand’s elite models.

But Puma has reintroduced the NITRO foam under the plate, as in v1, with a new composition. Nitrogen is still injected into it, a complex process that ultimately makes it lighter.

The higher-performance NITRO ELITE foam is also found above the plate, which provides more propulsion and a little more softness.

The combination of these two foams illustrates the brand’s desire to make the Deviate Nitro 3 more accessible to set it apart from the elite models.

This is noticeable on impact, with a softer and more pleasant sensation. Note that the stiffness of the plate is still noticeable, but less so than on the v2.

The dimensions have also changed, with a 39 mm heel stack height and 29 mm metatarsal stack height.

Shock absorption is very good and there is no limit on the distance you can consider. Once again, this makes it a very good pair for daily training.

The heel-to-toe drop of 10 mm is classic and should suit a wide variety of runners.

Energy return

Weighing 268 g/9.5 oz in men’s EU42/US9, the shoe is still light, but heavier than v2. This is understandable given the dimensions and the new upper, but it’s a point regretted by some testers.

Personally, I find it consistent with the training-oriented direction the shoe has taken. What’s more, it’s still very responsive, and there’s little difference in that respect.

Finally, despite the slight rocker, the transitions are smooth and it’s very responsive, like a carbon plate shoe.

Support and stability

The upper is close to the foot and the outer sole is very good. The rigidity of the plate helps to provide satisfactory stability despite the propulsion, which is often a delicate point with this type of shoe.

Finally, note that this shoe is for neutral stride.

Foot Lockdown

The engineered mesh upper fits closely to the foot – a little too much so for runners with wide feet who find the fit narrow. That’s the case for me and I took a half size up from my usual size.

This fit is made possible by the PWRTAPE overlays that provide support. Thanks to this, my foot did not slip, despite the half-size increase in length. In any case, it is best to try them on before buying, if possible.

As is often the case with knitted uppers, breathability is not optimal. This is not a major problem for most of the year, but it can be felt in very hot weather.

Comfort is guaranteed (as long as you take the right size) and the shoe is very pleasant to wear thanks to the numerous cushions, particularly on the collar.

The heel counter is effective. Similarly, the very thin gusseted tongue stays in place – no slipping to report. Finally, the lacing system is classic with flat laces.

Traction

The brand has once again opted for PUMAGRIP rubber over a large part of the outsole.

There is also a large central groove that leaves the plate visible and ensures good flexibility.

Traction is very good and so is grip on wet surfaces – no slipping to be deplored.

You can use the shoe on classic trails, but it will be more complicated on technical terrain.

Use

The propulsion is very good, but the bounce is much less pronounced than on the previous version and the Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3.

This makes the shoe more accessible, especially since the maximal cushioning provides better shock absorption.

This model thus falls into the category of super shoes for daily training, in very competitive company with the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 and the Asics Magic Speed 4.

All scenarios are possible, from VMA sessions to long runs at paces.

Unsurprisingly, endurance running shoes are not necessarily comfortable at low pace. Nevertheless, they are much better than many competing models.

There are no problems over long distances and you can rack up the kilometers whatever your runner profile.

Finally, it is also a good choice for competitions over all distances.

The shoe is less high-performance than its big sister (Elite version) but also less expensive and more accessible.

Quality and Durability

The PUMAGRIP rubber is of very good quality, as is the mesh, which shows no sign of early wear.

The foams are quite dense and will retain their cushioning properties well.

All these elements ensure good durability, which gives the shoe good value for money.

The upper is made of at least 20% recycled materials.

This Puma Deviate Nitro 3 is not vegan.

Conclusion

The Puma Deviate Nitro 3 is a model that deserves its popularity. With its comprehensive features, the shoe is very versatile for daily training.

It also provides good propulsion and is a very good option for competitions up to the marathon. Although it is not as high-performance as the Deviate Nitro Elite 3, it is also more affordable.

Facts

Technical Specs

Cushioning

Technologies

Use